Compression (AGAIN!) Before EQ or After EQ???

[RAMI]

I wasn't really being serious, guys. Let's not spend another 4 pages dissecting it.

[Bristol Posse]

... Let's not spend another 4 pages dissecting it.

Now that really would be breaking a rule of thumb!



I hear they break your thumbs for doing that!

[CrowsofFritz]

I wasn't really being serious, guys. Let's not spend another 4 pages dissecting it.

Pshhh! Good recovery.

[RAMI]

Pshhh! Good recovery.

Thanx, but I think I'm a long way from recovery.

[jaynm26]

Well, just for the sake of nit-picking; Isn't"always" doing something pretty much the definition of "rule of thumb"?

Gotta love RAMI ..hehehe

[jaynm26]

I don't think in terms of desirable or undesirable frequencies. I think in terms of spectral balance. That is, I think of the ratio of x frequency to y frequency. Compressors do not change the spectral balance on the time scale of perception of the present, so the "un-eqing" argument doesn't stand.

So are you saying EQ's before the comp dosent change of the actual balance that is coming from the comp?

[bouldersoundguy]

So are you saying EQ's before the comp dosent change of the actual balance that is coming from the comp?

I'm saying that, regardless of what parts of the signal trigger the compressor, all frequencies get affected by the gain reduction equally. Of course they can affect frequency balance over time, but that's different from the tone of a signal in the moment.

[jaynm26]

I'm saying that, regardless of what parts of the signal trigger the compressor, all frequencies get affected by the gain reduction equally. Of course they can affect frequency balance over time, but that's different from the tone of a signal in the moment.

Aahhh I see...and I agree.

[jaynm26]

So lets say for instance your processing a bass guitar...Do you EQ 1st or Comp 1st. We know that whatever we do want change tone so when equing bass to taste what would be the best approach..lets just say your trying to tame the low end and bring out the bite on a particular bass part. What gets put on first?

(Im going somewhere with this)

[mixsit]

I'm saying that, regardless of what parts of the signal trigger the compressor, all frequencies get affected by the gain reduction equally. Of course they can affect frequency balance over time, but that's different from the tone of a signal in the moment.

Ah I see what you meant now- I thought you were addressing the 'if eq should go second because the comp might un-do the eq'. Yes the complete sig. gets attenuated.
But.. to get back to that..

So lets say for instance your processing a bass guitar...Do you EQ 1st or Comp 1st. We know that whatever we do want change tone so when equing bass to taste what would be the best approach..lets just say your trying to tame the low end and bring out the bite on a particular bass part. What gets put on first?

That would depend- 'Eq trim the low end first so it's in closer shape to want you want in the first place, then dial in your dynamic?
Or, eq 2nd- And maybe the cpmp reacts to that low tone balance and/or pulls' the low notes down -A similar effect to 'eq'.
But.. what if it's reacting too much to those lows, not recovering fast enough and the next higher note (and/or your 'bite) is suffering for it?

A lot of it is just jump in and see. But the whole exercise is just kinda being aware of what cause and effects might be in play, and use it as you can.